Who are small portions useful for?

Those handing out snacks straight away

You want to take individual boxes with you and hand them out without weighing anything first.

Parents choosing what goes in each portion

You’re choosing a small snack for a child and taking the eating occasion and any allergens into account.

Those portioning snacks themselves

You’d rather decide the quantity yourself and don’t mind weighing and packing everything in advance.

What should you look for in portions for an Easter egg hunt?

What to consider What to look for Who it suits
Individual portions Check how many boxes there are and the weight of each portion. I want to hand them out straight away and know how many people the pack will serve. Around 36% of consumers prioritise individual portions.
Choosing the right time to eat If giving raisins to children, plan a supervised snack time and don’t give them too many at once. If I give raisins to a child, I want to offer a small portion and stay with them. Around 29% of consumers prioritise choosing the right time to eat them.
Ingredients and allergens Read the ingredients list and check the packaging for statements such as ‘contains’ and ‘may contain’. If the ingredients or a known allergen restriction affects my choice, I check the exact variety. Around 14% of consumers prioritise suitable ingredients.
Portioning it yourself Compare the net weight and factor in the time needed to weigh and pack it, the packaging materials and any leftovers. I like to decide the portion size myself and want to know if I can use the rest later. Around 21% of consumers prioritise portioning it themselves and using the whole pack.

Common mistakes when choosing

  • Confusing taking snacks along with eating unsupervised

    Children can choke on raisins too.

    For young children, plan a supervised snack time and don’t give them too many raisins at once. Voedingscentrum gives this advice about raisins.

  • Assuming all fruit mixes have the same ingredients

    AH Hamsterchef mixes with apple and apricot list sulphites.

    Check the ingredients of the exact variety if someone taking part needs to avoid sulphites.

  • Assuming a large bag contains ready-to-hand-out portions

    A 375-gram bag is not the same as a pack of individual boxes.

    If you’re portioning it yourself, allow time to weigh and pack it; follow the storage instructions on the packaging for any leftovers.

  • Confusing ‘no added sugar’ with low total sugars

    AH Hamsterchef Raisins lists 0 grams of added sugars and 65 grams of total sugars per 100 grams.

    Check the nutrition table and note the difference between added sugars and total sugars.

Brands and product ranges to compare

Albert Heijn

AH Hamsterchef offers raisins in snack boxes, as well as varieties with apple or apricot.

  • The standard raisins pack lists 10 portions of 14 grams.
  • The apple and apricot mixes reviewed list sulphites.

Jumbo

Jumbo Snoep Rozijntjes Doosjes is a multipack with individual portions.

  • The pack lists 14 boxes of 14 grams; the ingredients are raisins and sunflower oil.
  • The packaging states that it may contain almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, milk, soya and walnuts.

Lidl

Belbake Raisins is a product range to include when comparing standard raisins.

  • The product listing names Belbake Raisins.
  • The product name alone doesn’t confirm whether it contains individual portions to hand out.

Aldi

ALDI lists Trader Joe’s raisins in a 500-gram pack.

  • The net weight of 500 grams is stated.
  • The product information refers to in-store purchases; it isn’t confirmed as a multipack.

PLUS

PLUS Sultana raisins are sold in a 375-gram stand-up pouch.

  • The ingredients are raisins and sunflower oil.
  • PLUS warns that small stalks and stones may be present; the bag isn’t confirmed as a pack of individual portions.

Dirk

Dirk lists raisins in a 750-gram pack.

  • The product information confirms the net weight.
  • Dirk doesn’t list a delivery service; check whether portioning it yourself fits your plans.

Joybuy product pick for portioning yourself

This Joybuy pick is for anyone who wants to portion a larger pack of dried fruit themselves.

Zohra Medjool dates (M), 908 g

Zohra Medjool dates (M), 908 g

The 908 g pack could be a good option if you want to make portions for several people; you’ll need to weigh and pack the dates yourself.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions about dried fruit

When can you give raisins to a child?

Voedingscentrum suggests around a child’s first birthday, when they’re eating breakfast, lunch and dinner with the family. Give small amounts and stay with them because of the risk of choking; this is dietary guidance, not a legal age limit.

Does ‘no added sugar’ also mean low in sugar?

No. AH Hamsterchef Raisins lists 0 grams of added sugars and 65 grams of total sugars per 100 grams. Compare the nutrition table and check which type of sugar the statement refers to.

How should I store leftover raisins?

Follow the storage instructions on the packaging. For opened raisins, Voedingscentrum recommends 6–9 months in a kitchen cupboard; AH and PLUS advise storing their products in a cool, dry and dark place. Also check the raisins for signs of drying out, hardening, discolouration or mould.

How many 14-gram portions can you get from a 375-gram bag?

Using a chosen portion size of 14 grams, you can make 26 full portions from 375 grams, with 11 grams left over: 26 × 14 = 364 grams. This is an example for planning, not dietary advice.

Where can I check for allergens in dried fruit?

Read the ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ warning on the exact packaging. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that allergens that must be declared are listed in the ingredients; check the label on the variety you’re actually buying.